Articles Archives - Page 44 of 452

Successful Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The forum was recorded and the videos of each session can be viewed online in the coming weeks – keep your eyes on the Councils’ Facebook pages.

Heavy vehicle safety was in the spotlight recently at a breakfast forum hosted by Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan Shire Councils.

Around 80 delegates from across the region, attended the Central West NSW Heavy Vehicle Breakfast Forum to explore the current road safety and freight issues affecting the local heavy vehicle industry.

The Councils’ Road Safety and Injury Prevention Officer, Melanie Suitor, says the forum has become a regular fixture on the road safety calendar since its inception in 2012.

“Events like this forum are essential in providing opportunities to share information, network and discuss local issues,” Ms Suitor said.

The forum was attended by local transport companies, truck drivers and farmers along with various associations and government agencies. Topics covered included high productivity vehicles, safety around power lines, Police enforcement and an industry case study from Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.

Presenters were from the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR), Transport for NSW, NSW Police Force, Essential Energy and Healthy Heads in Trucks and Sheds.

“Thanks to the guest speakers who made the forum informative and thought provoking for participants. And thanks to everyone who attended” Ms Suitor said.

Feedback from attendees was very positive – rating the event 4.61 out of 5, with all attendees reporting that the forum met their expectations and they will attend next year.

Organisers are now turning their attention to the annual Be Road Ready for Harvest Field Day which will return on 14 August at the Forbes Central West Livestock Exchange. There will also be satellite events held across the region in late August and early September, watch this space for information.

Book An Adventure With Paint Parkes REaD

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Parkes community reading day is on Friday, 22 August. Aligned with Book Week, the theme is “Book An Adventure”.This year we are varying our usual format.

Instead of the activity stations along Clarinda Street, the stations will be part of the Cooke Park celebrations. At the same time, there will be some action up the main street and business houses are going to be invited to participate in several simple ways.

A highlight of the day will be a play, “The Adventure Of Finding Reading Bug” and heading a star-studded cast will be two of the greatest explorers, Sir William Schweitzer Jayet and Dr Neil Livingstone Westcott.

Paint The Town REaD’s main aim is to spread the vital message of growing baby’s brain right from birth so every baby is better prepared to start learning to read in kindergarten. It is a fact that poor literacy is highly likely to cause low self-esteem which in turn is highly likely to cause anti-social behaviour.

Teachers are not a baby’s first educator, parents are. Parents, please start on day one to: read, sing, talk and rhyme to your baby all the time.

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes To Hold Thank You Event For Forbes Community

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

CatholicCare Wilcannia-Forbes (CCWF) is inviting all community members and service providers to their Thank You, Forbes Community Event on Wednesday, 2 July.

The occasion is a small gesture of appreciation for all those the organisation has worked alongside since the 2022 flooding in the town and its surrounds.

At its worst in November 2022, the Lachlan River peaked at 10.7 metres at Forbes, flooding more than 700 residential and commercial properties in the town.

CCWF, in particular its Financial Stability team, has provided practical support and stand with community members as they negotiate the long-term and wide-ranging consequences of flooding in the 2.5 years since.

CCWF Financial Stability portfolio manager, Louise Cormie said the organisation was holding the event to thank all the community members who had placed their trust in her team, as well as the service providers who had worked with them to provide the much needed support.

“We want to take a moment to say thank you, and celebrate the wonderful people in our community as they work towards recovery,” Mrs Cormie said.

“We are grateful to be part of this community, and want the community to know we are with them for the long journey of recovery from natural disaster.

“Flood-affected residents can continue to contact our financial counsellors for support, advocacy and referrals.”

The event, to be held in the Forbes Town Hall from 11am-2pm, will include a barbecue meal, fruit platters and soft drinks, and a gift for every attendee, as well as lucky door prizes. Forbes Shire Council’s GIVIT team and the Disaster Response Legal Service will also be attending and ready to support community members.

“We are looking forward to coming together with the community for a relaxed and enjoyable event on July 2,” Mrs Cormie said.

ACRRM Welcomes Updated Framework Supporting Rural Maternity Services

June 26, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) welcomes the release of the Second Edition National Consensus Framework for Rural Maternity Services, which reaffirms the critical role of Rural Generalists in delivering safe, high-quality maternity care across rural, remote communities.

ACRRM President Dr Rod Martin says Rural Generalists are uniquely trained to provide comprehensive maternity care, including antenatal and postnatal services, planned deliveries, and emergency obstetrics.

“Rural Generalists are vital members and leaders of multidisciplinary rural maternity teams, working alongside midwives and other health professionals to ensure women can receive care within their communities,” Dr Martin says. “This not only improves outcomes but reduces the emotional and financial strain of travelling long distances for birthing and pre and antenatal care.”

Dr Martin says the ongoing closure and downgrading of rural maternity services is deeply concerning. “Every closure reduces access to affordable, timely care and puts the safety of mothers and babies at risk. Properly supported, integrated models that include Rural Generalists with advanced obstetrics, anaesthetics, and paediatrics skills, can sustainably deliver care to the highest standards.

“The Framework offers a roadmap for evidence-based, cost-effective locally led maternity care and calls for genuine investment and infrastructure to bring it to life. I commend all those who contributed to the development of this Second Edition National Consensus Framework for Rural Maternity Services.

“ACRRM looks forward to working with the review stakeholders and governments to ensure the Framework leads to real, lasting improvements for rural, remote and First Nations families.”

Frost And Fire Under The Stars

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Head along to Frost and Fire this Saturday 21 June from 4pm to 10pm and celebrate the Winter Solstice with friendly people, hearty food, fire buckets, boutique brews, fire performances and pyrotechnics, nationally renowned musicians, local artists, amazing live acts.

With loads of live entertainment, the Wolfe Brothers will warm up the crowd with their high energy performance of iconic truly Australian anthems. The most awarded country rock duo ever, the brothers took away three Golden Guitars at the 2024 Country Music Awards bringing their total to nine Golden Guitars to date.

We are also beyond excited to announce Mitchell Coombs as the official Ambassador for Frost and Fire 2025. Mitchell is an Australian comedian hailing from the Central West, known for his quick wit, hilarious takes on everyday life, and down-to-earth charm. With a loyal following across social media, Mitchell’s unique sense of humour has made him a favorite among fans.

Keep nice and toasty during the Winter Solstice with warm clothes. Enjoy the entertainment in comfort by bringing your own chair guaranteeing a prime relaxing spot.

Frost & Fire is held at the Forbes Ski Dam. During our event there is no public parking onsite, but there are a variety of public transport options available.

Tickets are essential. No ticket – no entry! It’s important to purchase tickets and parking tickets prior to the event. Under 18’s are free entry. Over 18’s are $30 per person. Buy tickets at www.123tix.com.au/events/46063/frost-and-fire

Snippets…

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Grab your jackets, round up the kids, and join us for a night that’s fun for the whole family.

Frost And Fire 2025: Bring the whole crew down for an evening of fun, music, and magical memories the kids will love! Silent disco from 4pm – 7pm and fairy floss by the amazing Forbes Youth Action Team, CirqueUm Navigate – roving entertainment to amaze and excite, bonfires, food trucks and plenty more! It’s the perfect mix of excitement and entertainment for all ages! Head along to the Forbes Ski Dam this Saturday 21 June.Tickets at: www.123tix.com.au/events/46063/frost-and-fire

Parkes Shire Libraries: Peak Quills’ writers group meet on the third Thursday monthly at the Peak Hill Library. Join us for tips on writing, put your pen to paper and listen to a reading. All welcome, tea and coffee provided.

Western NSW Local Health District: Are excited to announce DanceMoves programs will commence running in Orange, Parkes, Forbes, Molong, Bathurst and Mendooran in the coming monthss. The program is a mix of seated and standing dancing, set to your favourite music. The program is designed to help build strength, balance and flexibility while staying full of energy. The program is designed for more active older adults (50+ years of age). No experience is necessary and suitable for all movement abilities! The classes are free of charge. We invite you to register by clicking this link https://www.activeandhealthy.nsw.gov.au/find-a-program

Forbes Youth Action Team: The school holiday program is live, and there is an awesome lineup of activities to keep the kids entertained these holidays – from slime workshops and painting sessions to novelty sports days and more! Spots are limited and filling fast – register now at www.forbes.nsw.gov.au/community/community-services-and-information/families-and-youth-services/youth-programs

The Healthy Communities Foundation Australia: Be part of a powerful conversation about mental wellbeing at our NRL Community Scrum in Forbes next Tuesday 24 June at Spooner Oval, with special guests NRL legends Bryson Goodwin and Dale Finucan.

Parkes Shire Council: Between 1 January and 30 April 2025, Parkes Shire Council has helped find loving homes for 54 dogs and 47 cats and it’s all thanks to our community of adopters and supporters! Thinking about adopting? Visit the website to meet the pets still looking for their forever homes: bit.ly/AnimalsForAdoption

That’s over 100 animals rehomed in just four months.

Landholders Asked To Lookout For Rock Fern

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Plants vary between 10cm and 30cm in height and have a reddish-brown central stalk with a bright green fern leaf.

Central West Local Land Services is urging livestock owners to be on the lookout for rock or bracken fern in their grazing paddocks, which can cause toxicity.

Found in many parts of the Central West region, rock fern is a hardy plant that survives dry conditions and reshoots readily after rain in autumn and winter.

These fronds are particularly toxic to cattle, and less commonly sheep. While not overly palatable, stock will consume rock fern when feed is limited, or they may ingest it incidentally when the plant is present amongst short green, or dry standing feed.

Hungry, young and naïve stock are most at risk.

Nik Cronin Central West Local Land Services District Veterinarian said, “The prolonged dry following summer, and the late autumn break have provided ideal conditions for rock fern.

“The movements of young trade cattle, as well as the influx of cattle from droughtaffected areas into our region have also increased the risk. Our records show that cases most commonly occur in the months of May-July, peaking to a high in June.

“Two cases have recently been diagnosed in the last week within the Central West Local Land Services region – one case in agistment cattle near Narromine with 6 out of 48 animals affected – 4 deaths, and the other in trade weaners at Coonabarabran with 14 out of 34 affected – 3 dead.

“For now we would recommend that producers check grazing paddocks for rock fern. If rock fern is present where stock are grazing then they should be removed” Nik said.

If you have deaths or signs of toxicity in your livestock, please call your veterinarian.

Parkes Tractor Trekkers On The Road Again

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Three generations of Jefferay’s: Dick Jefferay (prostate cancer survivor), son Richard Jefferay (trek organiser) and Richard’s son Mitch.

The Parkes Tractor Trekkers, a team of nine locals including Richard Jefferay, Lindsay Wall, Brenton Trainor, Rodney Barnes, Mitch Jefferay, Dave O’Grady, Troy Parker, Al O’Grady and Daniel McIntyre, have set off on a fundraiser for the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

In 2023 the group took eight 70 year old Ferguson TEA 20 tractors on a 600km journey out of Bourke over 6 days to raise almost $40,000 for prostate cancer. They had so much fun that they’re heading off again.

The team had an early morning start in Parkes on Saturday 14 June and hit the backroads to Bogan Gate via Cooks Myalls and Blow Clear Forest, at break neck speeds sometimes reaching 25 km/h.

As was to be expected with 75 year old tractors that have been saved from their rusty demise in paddocks and sheds, there was an early breakdown and Rodney Barnes ended up towing Jeremy Clark for over 50km just to achieve their day one goal.

There were 12 tractors in all and a beautiful fine day despite the cold. The group coordinated with the Central West Car Club who met them at the Bogan Gate pub for lunch and a few beers with some live entertainment and plenty of banter and chatter.

The Bogan Gate pub didn’t disappoint with great food and a great atmosphere. Plenty of merchandise was sold and there was a silent auction of sorts which was lots of fun and very successful, adding more to the fundraising for such a worthy cause.

It will be full steam ahead for the group’s departure from Bourke to Birdsville starting Monday 11 August and arriving in Birdsville Saturday 23 August.

Anybody wanting to support the Parkes Tractor Trekkers can donate at fundraise.

pcfa.org.au/tractortrek

The group before the pre-shake-down run from Parkes to Bogan Gate.

The crew on the road.

The crew lined up at the Bogan Gate pub.

The newest and youngest supporter Jack Pietsch in his element surrounded by tractors and a great bunch of blokes

Are We Facing A Mental Health Crisis For Boys?

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

Kids Helpline is encouraging boys and young men to take time to prioritise their mental health. Males are shown to have significantly reduced help-seeking for mental health concerns compared with females.

Kids Helpline recorded 57 contacts from males on an average day in May 2025, when compared with 195 females on the same day.

Counsellors at Kids Helpline respond to 21% males and 79% females on any given day, with males aged between 19 to 25 years of age representing the largest (37%) male help-seeking group.

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5-25, here for children and young people, anytime and for any reason. No issue is too big or too small.

Kids Helpline offers boys and young men a safe, inclusive space to open-up and connect with our free, professional, confidential 24/7 service to support self-awareness, and tools to help manage strong emotions when they struggle.

Kids Helpline is Australia’s only national 24/7 counselling service specifically for children and is a free service – free call 1800 55 1800 or www.kidshelpline.com.au

Sobering Statistics Regarding Domestic Violence

June 19, 2025 By Roxane Manley

The latest NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR) quarterly update reveals domestic violence assaults in regional parts of NSW have risen to even more alarming levels.

In the March 2025 quarterly report, domestic violence-related assaults increased by 3.6%, with rises recorded in 8 of 13 Regional NSW areas and 3 of 15 Greater Sydney locations. In some areas, the rate of violent crime is more than double the state average.

Shadow Minister for Police Paul Toole said the latest report gave a sobering reminder of the reality of domestic violence in NSW.

“The lack of decisive action from the NSW Labor Government is leaving victims in regional communities vulnerable and allowing domestic violence incidents to increase,” Mr Toole said.

“We cannot continue to have innocent lives lost or permanently affected by acts of violence in their own homes.

“The cries from the bush are going unanswered by this city centric government and this cannot go on.”

In 2024, the NSW Police Force attended 152,268 domestic and family violence incidents equating to on average NSW Police officers responding to 560 domestic and family violence incidents each day.

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